Psychiatrist for Bipolar 2,15 years old
My 15 year old daughter has been struggling with severe mental health issues over the past year and a half. She is currently in a RTC and was finally diagnosed with Bipolar 2. She will be discharged in July. We have already tried two psychiatrists in Danville/Walnut Creek. Both have just changed the doses of medicine other doctors have initiated, or, when I ask a question about a different medication I have researched, they prescribe it for her just based on my desperate hope something new will help. We are looking for a psychiatrist that is comfortable treating bipolar disorder in teens and actually cares about helping patients feel better. I submitted a referral request at UCSF Children's Oakland. Any other suggestions for a adolescent psychiatrist in the East Bay?
Parent Replies
My son is a complicated case and we see Ray Hearey in Orinda. He is expensive, and doesn’t take insurance (sigh) but it has been worth it. He is thoughtful, kind, deliberate and humble. And he seems to be plugged in to the local mental health experts across the Bay Area. Good luck to you. I know how hard it can be to find the right doc.
I am so so sorry you are dealing with this. You are on the right track in terms of finding a good psychiatrist…. It is essential and can change the course of your teen’s experience with bipolar. I can highly recommend Bradley Engwall, but unfortunately the caveat with many great psychiatrists these days is that their caseload is full and they can’t take on new patients.
Clearwater clinic in Oakland offers really good DBT therapy and groups for teens struggling with mental health issues and they may have other recommendations for local psychiatrists.
My daughter, who is now 24, has had good luck with several East Bay psychiatrists. The best have been Dr. Raymond Hearey in Orinda, who she she still sees. When she was still in her teens, she saw Dr. Lisa B. Hardy in Danville (I believe) who is also a psychopharmacologist.
In regard to finding the right medication, Dr. Hearey had her do a genetic test (cheek swab) that helps identify the best medication called GenoMind. There are several other related tests now, but these are becoming quite widely accepted. I understand even Kaiser is using them.
I have learned about depression treatments through my daughters long path of suffering from depression/anxiety and learning issues. If you'd like to talk, feel free to contact me at:lisascimens [at] gmail.com.
Best of Luck,
Lisa
My daughter was 16 when I finally discovered Pacific Coast Psychiatric Associates https://www.pcpasf.com/ where we found an excellent and truly caring psychiatrist. Dr. Amber Lerma has since left to begin her private practice in Orinda but not without first transferring my daughter’s care to Dr. Fuller who’s also been excellent. They have a local office in Lafayette. Their website includes good profiles of the doctors which was how I found Dr. Lerma. Good luck and lots of patience and strength as you navigate finding the best care for your daughter.
Wow, that you HAVE a diagnosis of bipolar II is pretty amazing; it took our family at least three years, four therapists, 12 weeks in wilderness, 9 months in RTC, and more to get to that point of clarity. We were substantially helped in the process by psychiatrist Randy Bloch in Walnut Creek.
randybloch [at] gmail.com
(Don't be put off by the brevity of his emails; I feel like he keeps email communication to a bare minimum to protect patient privacy and prioritize patient appointments.)
I'm very sorry for your and your daughter's suffering. I've walked in your shoes. You're in a long, long marathon; try to pace yourself accordingly. Best of luck to you all.